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TAVERN - A Masterful Interpretation of the Modern English Pub
Written by Holli Thomas & Coleen Rider Photographed by Coleen Rider
When someone mentions a tavern, one usually thinks of a small and dark local watering hole that serves thick beer to bearded men. Tavern in Brentwood dispels this image completely. In it's place is an alluring, dimly lit bar that separates two very different dining areas held together by common design elements. It's L.A.'s well respected restauranteurs Suzanne Goin and Carolyn Stynes third restaurant together and Jeffrey Alan Marks, who has worked with Goin on previous residential projects, is the creative force behind the chic design of the restaurant.
A welcome respite from the beige landscape of San Vicente Boulevard, Tavern is a standout with a dark green/black Farrow and Ball paint job. Upon entering the restaurant you're taken by the juxtaposition of chinoiserie wallpaper and an old industrial potato cart serving as the base for the hostess station. On the right, the generous sized bar is calling. The dark and saturated colors are handsome, as are the green leather covered bar stools and brass domed lamps. An assortment of gracefully sculptural wing chairs are also available if you feel like nestling in. The bar feels like a modern version of a pub where one can partake in cocktails as well as a full dining experience.
Our bartender made us a cocktail with potato vodka, cucumber, and fresh grapefruit juice. The drink was inventive and refreshing. There is special care taken to make the drinks here. Christiaan, the man behind the bar, presented us with his custom made bitters concoction he breaks out when the appropriate drink is ordered.
A tall entryway flanked by draperies frames the most dramatic of the three spaces, the atrium. The soaring glass ceilings covered in white shades filter the abundant natural light. The space looks vast with the high ceilings and mirrors, but an intimacy has been created with the furniture arrangements. A textural mix of leather, mohair, rope, brass, zinc, and the silvery gray leaves of two large olive trees combine to create an enchanting dining experience with a euro-chic vibe.
The third space is the Larder. It offers casual, brasserie style service with to-go salads, cheese, main courses, sauces, desserts, and bread. Tavern's own line of pantry staple items such as homemade jam, honey and olive oil are available here as well. It's a great place for a casual bite or cup of coffee with a friend.
If atmosphere is as important to you as excellent cuisine and stellar service, it's hard to beat Tavern.
Tavern
11648 San Vicente Boulevard
Brentwood, CA
310.806.6466
Tavernla.com
Jeffrey Alan Marks
jam-design.com
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